When you walk into an interview, the first thing that the interviewer notices is your interview attire. Some researchers claim that employers know whether they will employ you or not as soon as you walk into the interview room.
It goes without saying that when it comes to a job interview, a good first impression counts. However, you should not overdo it. For instance, you should not wear too much makeup or too much perfume. Your interview attire tells a lot about who you are.
Remember that you only have one chance to prove that you are the right person for the job. Therefore, you should make sure that everything is perfect.
Below are a few tips on interview attire that will act as a guide so that you will have a rough idea on what to wear and what not to wear.
Standard Job Interview Attire: The generally acceptable interview attire for women is basically similar to that of men. A black, grey or navy blue suit is the conventionally accepted suit color. Navy blue in particular is the widely accepted color but black or grey suits are also acceptable. It would be advisable to wear a skirt as opposed to pants because skirts are more presentable and formal. If you choose to wear a skirt suit, make sure that it is not too tight or too short. Employers hate it when interviewees show up for job interviews in tight miniskirts hoping that they will be hired for showing off their skin.
Make-up and Jewellery: If you wear make-up, ensure that it is not too much. Your nail polish and lipstick should match the color of your blouse. Too much make-up can irritate the interviewers and in a worst case scenario they can develop a negative attitude towards you and if that happens, chances are that you won’t get the job even if you are the most qualified candidate. When it comes to jewelry, you need not wear every piece of jewelry you own. Generally, a pair of earrings and a necklace would be more than enough. Nose rings and extra earrings should not be worn to an interview.
Hairstyle: Your hairstyle should be conservative as well. If you have long hair, you should wear it up as opposed to letting it flow down. Wearing it p makes you look professional and more presentable. You should avoid wild hair styles because those will make you look unprofessional.
Shoes: Generally speaking women love high heeled shoes. However, for a job interview, you should not wear shoes with very high heels. You should rather wear shoes that have low heels. You should never wear sandals, sneakers, or any other type of casual shoes.
Finally, it would be advisable to have several outfits put aside for interviews. The extra interview attire comes in handy when you pass the first stage and you get invited to the second stage. Always remember that you have one chance to prove to the panelists that you are the right candidate for the job. Therefore, you should make a good first impression.
You can also find these 9 tips helpful for dressing for interview.
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Jobiety Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and tests every piece of career advice we publish. We draw on real hiring data, interviews with recruiters, and hands-on experience to give you guidance that works.
